Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will provide a loan for Ukraine's reconstruction, which will be financed by the interest on frozen Russian assets.
The President of the European Commission is delivering her annual State of the Union address to members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She said that Ukraine defends Europe and the country's defense is of key importance to the bloc.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the advance granting of a €6 billion loan for the production of drones for Ukraine. The financing will be carried out at the expense of profits from frozen Russian assets.
Von der Leyen stressed that more than two-thirds of the losses of Russian equipment on the front are associated with the use of Ukrainian drones. At the same time, Russia is trying to quickly catch up, using Iranian "Shahedi" and mass production capabilities.
According to her, the EU has the industrial potential to help Ukraine maintain its advantage. For this purpose, it is planned to create a "Drone Alliance" with Ukraine.
""The loan for the reconstruction of Ukraine will not affect frozen Russian assets," she said. "Ukraine will repay the loan only after Russia pays reparations".